Gunmen kill over 100 in Nigeria's Benue State

At least 100 people were killed in an overnight attack by gunmen in the town of Yelwata, in Nigeria’s Benue State, according to Amnesty International.

The rights group is urging the government to take urgent action to end what it calls “almost daily bloodshed” in the region.

The attack began late Friday and continued into Saturday, with many homes reportedly burned down. Local officials confirmed at least 45 deaths, but residents say the toll could be more than 100. Dozens remain missing.

A police spokesperson said officers engaged the attackers in a gunfight, while witnesses described scenes of devastation and loss. One resident said her relatives were burned alive in their home.

Amnesty warns the violence is driving mass displacement and threatening food security, as most victims are farmers. The group says government inaction is allowing the violence to continue with impunity.

Benue State has seen recurring clashes between herders and farmers over land and water access. Last month, at least 20 people were killed in a similar attack in Gwer West.

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